Nada proposes monthly random drug tests for pilots, flight crew
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2026-09-10,BACHOK
The National Anti-Drugs Agency (Nada) has proposed random monthly urine testing for pilots and flight crew to strengthen drug abuse prevention in the aviation sector.
Nada director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the proposal will be discussed with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) expected to be signed next month.
"We have had cooperation before, but it was periodic. This time we hope to increase the frequency, and the proposal is to conduct random tests once a month.
"If necessary, we can shorten the interval further for specific cases," he told reporters after visiting the Bachok Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) today.
Ruslin said while MAG has its own panel hospitals, clinics, and trained doctors to conduct urine tests, AADK sees random testing as an essential safeguard.
He added that the proposed collaboration goes beyond testing.
"Among the aims is to provide space for both MAG and Nada to cooperate in prevention programmes as well as urine testing," he said.
On ongoing screenings involving over 1,000 pilots, Ruslin said testing is expected to conclude by Sept 15, with all results received so far returning negative.
Both parties are finalising the draft MoU, which is expected to be signed in October, he added.